Firefighter arrested after drug search

Minneapolis Police Sgt. Steven McCarty
Minneapolis Police Sgt. Steven McCarty said a city firefighter was arrested Tuesday, March 27, 2012, after a search of the firehouse where he worked turned up an item believed to be methamphetamine. McCarty said the arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation.
MPR Photo/Matt Sepic

Minneapolis Police arrested a city firefighter Tuesday after a search of the firehouse where he worked turned up an item believed to be methamphetamine.

The 42-year-old fireman is being held at the Hennepin County Jail without bond, pending formal charges.

Police made the arrest after a search of Fire Station 19 near TCF Bank Stadium and the University of Minnesota. Authorities are also holding a 33-year-old woman allegedly found with the drug known as ecstasy. She is not a firefighter.

Minneapolis Police Sgt. Steven McCarty says the arrests were the result of an ongoing investigation.

"These officers from "Safe Streets," as well as the second precinct community response team received information that some narcotics activity was taking place," McCarty said.

After searching the fire station, police officers searched the firefighter's home in Anoka County and found other evidence.

In an emailed statement, Minneapolis Fire Chief John Fruetel wrote that he is "disappointed to hear the allegations, and it's unfortunate that the actions of a single individual can cast a shadow on the entire department."

Police say they found another man with a small amount of marijuana. He was cited and released.